Arsenal set to seal deal for Championship starlet?

Arsenal are looking at the prospect of signing a back-up goalkeeper during the winter transfer window.

The Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is considered to be keen on landing the services of Reading shot-stopper Alex McCarthy in January, as he aims to provide stiff competition to current number one Wojciech Szczesny, with back-up player Lukasz Fabianski currently linked with a switch to Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04.

The Gunners' scouts are understood to have tracked McCarthy's progress at Reading in recent weeks and have given a positive report to go through with a transfer offer.

Alex McCarthy has been in top form for the Royals this season, having kept 7 cleansheets in 22 appearances so far.